CD had asked Donders questions about the contraction of the muscles around the eye, and about Charles Bell’s account of the physiology of weeping (see letter to F. C. Donders, 13 May [1870] and n. 2). Donders refers to the Nederlandsch Lancet, of which he was editor (DSB).

Donders refers to CD’s query regarding the possibility of contraction of the muscles around the eyes producing tears (see letter to F. C. Donders, 13 May [1870], and Correspondence vol. 17, letter to F. C. Donders, 6 September 1869 and n. 3).

Translation

From F. C. Donders1 17 May 1870

Utrecht,

17 May | 1870

Dear Sir,

I now feel that I ought to have given you the sad news of the loss of our daughter, our only child, the object and the centre of our life, our happiness and our hope. She died on 5th March, just 5 Days after having given birth to two babies, who, though very weak, have survived her up to now.2 We are living with a sorrow which it seems can never end, and just like my much-loved son-in-law, Doctor Engelmann,3 I have found it hard to return to the laboratory and to attend to our occupations. In the last two months of her pregnancy, our daughter was already suffering so much that we lived in constant apprehension. But for this the small piece of work you did me the honour of confiding to me, would have been finished long since. However, I have just turned my hand to it once more, and you will have it in a few days. I have examined the circulation of the eye with some care, and all I am lacking is the inclination to finish my note on this subject, which I want to publish in my Journal: in general I believe I can confirm the views of Sir Charles Bell.4 Doctor Moore5 will send you the English translation of this article. As for the other question, I don’t think that the supposed relationship exists.6 In my next letter, I shall formulate my reply. You may be certain of having it in hand within a week of receiving this one, and by then Mr. Moore will have received a printed copy of my article on the first question.

CD had asked Donders questions about the contraction of the muscles around the eye, and about Charles Bell’s account of the physiology of weeping (see letter to F. C. Donders, 13 May [1870] and n. 2). Donders refers to the Nederlandsch Lancet, of which he was editor (DSB).

Donders refers to CD’s query regarding the possibility of contraction of the muscles around the eyes producing tears (see letter to F. C. Donders, 13 May [1870], and Correspondence vol. 17, letter to F. C. Donders, 6 September 1869 and n. 3).

Summary

The illness and death of his daughter have delayed his answers to CD’s queries. He has, however, worked on the circulation of the eye and has almost finished a paper on it, which he will send to CD. In general, the views of Charles Bell are confirmed.

As for CD’s second query, he doubts that the relationship exists, but will answer fully in next letter.